Nationwide dikir for Maulidur Rasul

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

FOR 12 consecutive nights the Dikir Syarafil Anam will be recited in mosques and religious halls nationwide to enliven the celebrations of Maulidur Rasul, the anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was born on 12 Rabiulawal (which falls on January 14). The celebrations will culminate in a nationwide parade on the Prophet’s birthday.

Dikir Syarafil Anam contain, among other things, Quranic verses, praises to Allah SWT, the origin and history of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and doa (supplications). It is usually performed by Muslims in Brunei on Islamic or traditional occasions to express joy and gratitude.

The opening ceremony was held at Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah last night.

The dikir followed Isya’ prayers. Minister of Religious Affairs Yang Berhormat Pg Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Mohammad Pg Hj Abdul Rahman, joined other congregants in the prayers.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pg Dato Paduka Hj Bahrom Pg Hj Bahar and senior officials from the ministry.

Different contingents from various governmental agencies will be performing the dikir each night.

Last night, the Islamic Studies Department, the Kg Rimba Dikir Al Mukmin group and the ZIADANA dikir group performed the Dikir Khairuman, while groups from Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, Kg Kiarong, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali and the SYABABUROJA Youth Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah group performed the Dikir Asyraqal.

The Doa Dikir at the end of the ceremony was recited by Mudim Hj Abd Latif Hj Saman, while Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato paduka Hj Mustafa Hj Murat recited the Doa Selamat (thanksgiving ceremony).

Similar events will also take place at other mosques across the country following the opening ceremony last night.

Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman, together with the ministry’s senior officials and 200 of the ministry’s personnel, recited Dikir Syarafil Anam at the Kg Sungai Hanching Mosque.

The ministry will also perform the dikir at the Sultan Sharif Ali Mosque tomorrow and at Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah on Monday.

The event began at the Kg Kiudang mosque in Tutong and Masjid Zainab in Kg Lumut, Belait.

Meanwhile, the ceremony at the Sultan Omar Ali’ Saifuddien (SOAS) Mosque in the capital saw the presence of Acting Director of the Prison Department Hj Ismail Hj Murat. The congregation performed theMaghrib prayer prior to the dikir recitals.

The recital at the mosque was divided into two sessions. Members of the SOAS Mosque Dikir group recited the Dikir Assalamu’alaika, while groups from the Prison Department and Kg Subok performed Dikir Khairuman and the Dikir Ashraqal respectively. The Kg Subok dikir group together with Nurul Taqwa and the Police Royal Guard dikir groups of Istana Nurul Iman recited Dikir Ashraqal after Isya’ prayers.

Mudim Hj Amran Hj Mohd Salleh recited the Doa Dikir and Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Hj Zainuddin BPSRKDSS Hj Mohd Tamin led the recital of Doa Peliharakan Sultan (a prayer for His Majesty).

A statement from the Ministry of Defence last night said the ministry and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) held a dikir ceremony simultaneously in every RBAF surau (religious hall) in Berakas and Muara in Brunei-Muara District, Penanjong in Tutong, Lumut in Belait and Bangar in Temburong.

RBAF Commander Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Hj Abidin was present as guest of honour. Also in attendance were RBAF Deputy Commander Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Brigadier General Dato Seri Pahlawan Mohd Tawih Abdullah, directors, officers and staff.

The Brunei Times